the essential
After a successful debut in doubles with his friend Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios made his comeback in singles on the night of December 30 to 31. At home in the Brisbane tournament, he will face last year's revelation, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Winning return for Nick Kyrgios. The whimsical Australian marked his return to competition with a doubles victory with Novak Djokovic. These two stars of the ATP circuit put on a show in front of a captivated audience this December 30 in Brisbane. They won 6-4/6-7/10-8 against the pair of specialists Erler/Mies.
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The two players, who discovered a friendship late in life, seemed very complicit whether on the court or in a post-match interview. They delighted the spectators with some fantastic shots and therefore continue their adventure. In the next round, they will face the number 1 seed, the pair Mektic/Venus.
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Double is good, but we know, for both, that this is not the long-term objective. At times, the match looked more like an exhibition than a real competition for the two strong leaders on the circuit. “We promised each other to do this before he leaves or I leave,” recalled the Australian after the meeting.
Heavy duty for Monfils, Mpetshi and Cazaux
On the night of December 30 to 31, they will both launch their singles season. Djokovic, who has not been seen since the Six King Slams exhibition in Saudi Arabia, will face the local Hijikata. Kyrgios will make his return against a strong client. He will be opposed to the 31st in the world, the Frenchman, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in what promises to be a duel of big servers.
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The opportunity for Nick Kyrgios to test himself from the start and for followers to see where the former Wimbledon finalist is, whose current level remains a big unknown. The Frenchman will have to face a public entirely committed to the cause of his opponent in what will be the start of a season where he will be much more expected after having exploded last season. The match should be played early in the morning (it is scheduled for around 6:30 a.m.).
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Other French people will be in the running this night in Brisbane, notably Gaël Monfils. The oldest of the Top 100 (38 years old) will face qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy before potentially facing Novak Djokovic in the next round. A very bad draw when we know that he has never won against the Serb in 19 meetings. Arthur Cazaux will start against the 5th seed, the American Korda. Benjamin Bonzi, already qualified for the 8th, will only play tomorrow against the Chilean Jarry.
